Start your journey with confidence, clarity, and care.
Understand what AI is, how it’s changing education, and how you can engage with it safely and purposefully in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Curious about AI? Start here.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) might sound technical or intimidating, but it’s already part of everyday life — and increasingly, our classrooms. Whether you’re teaching foundation learners or planning your first experiment with ChatGPT, this page will help you take your first confident steps. You don’t need to be an expert — just open to exploring.
What is AI and why it matters in education
What is GenAI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to technologies that perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence — such as recognising patterns, making predictions, or generating content.
Generative AI (GenAI) refers to tools that can create new content — text, images, video, or sound — based on prompts you give them. Think of ChatGPT, Bing Chat, or Grammarly: they can summarise text, generate ideas, or even offer writing support. But they also raise big questions about how we teach, assess, and guide our learners.
As these tools evolve, they offer real potential to personalise learning, reduce workload, and support engagement. But like any tool, they work best when we use them critically and responsibly.
Why it matters for educators
AI is already reshaping how learners interact with knowledge, feedback, and creativity. Used thoughtfully, AI can:
- Reduce admin load
- Help brainstorm content or activities
- Scaffold learner understanding
But it also raises important questions about academic integrity, equity, and digital readiness.
Common AI Tools
| Tool | What it does |
| ChatGPT | Generates text responses from prompts |
| Grammarly | Assists with writing and tone |
| DALL·E | Creates images based on text prompts |
Small steps, big impact
Try starting with one small activity. Ask ChatGPT to summarise a tricky article. Use it to brainstorm lesson plan ideas. Reflect on how your learners could use it safely and creatively. Each step builds your understanding — and your confidence.
Understand what AI is, how it’s changing education, and how you can engage with it safely and purposefully in Aotearoa New Zealand.
| Example “I asked ChatGPT to turn my lesson plan bullet points into a first draft — it saved me 30 minutes and gave me a new idea for an activity.” — Foundation Tutor, NZ |
Understanding AI Literacy vs Digital Literacy
What’s the difference?
Digital literacy is about using technology confidently. AI literacy takes this further — it’s about knowing how to question AI outputs, understand their limitations, and refine what you’re given. AI literacy means asking, “Where did this information come from?” or “Is this response appropriate for my learners?”
It’s less about technical skill and more about developing the curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence to engage thoughtfully.
Digital Literacy = Knowing how to use digital tools safely and effectively
AI Literacy = Understanding how AI works, what it can/can’t do, and how to use it critically
| Aspect | Digital Literacy | AI Literacy |
| Skills | Email, file sharing, LMS | Prompting, evaluating AI outputs |
| Mindset | Safe, competent user | Critical, curious thinker |
| Risks | Phishing, privacy | Bias, hallucination, misuse |
Why it matters
AI literacy empowers educators to:
- Question AI outputs
- Understand where data comes from
- Help learners engage responsibly
| Reflective Prompt: “What AI skills do your learners need to navigate the future — and how can you model them?” |
Two key frameworks to support your practice
These frameworks offer practical steps to support your development as an educator working with AI. They don’t require technical expertise — just a willingness to explore, reflect, and experiment safely.
1. SAIL Framework (Scaffolded AI Literacy)
(Adapted from MacCallum et al. — see link below)
This framework is intended to support equitable, accessible, and effective education in the age of AI.
It introduces AI concepts and skills in 6 categories, across four levels of capability:
- Know and understand AI
- Use and apply AI
- Evaluate and create AI
- Beyond AI literacy
| Scenario: You’ve seen students using ChatGPT, but you’re unsure how to respond. Using the SAIL framework, you begin by seeking to understand how generative AI works. Then you assess whether it supports or challenges your current tasks. Next, you trial a small integration — like drafting quiz questions — and later, share what worked (or didn’t) with your team. |
2. CRAFT Framework (Culture, Rules, Access, Familiarity, Trust)
(Originally developed by Danny Liu and colleagues — see link below)
| Element | What to consider |
| Culture | Does this align with your classroom or learner values? |
| Rules | What are your organisation’s expectations? |
| Access | Do all learners have fair access to AI tools? |
| Familiarity | How confident are you with the tool? |
| Trust | Can you explain why the AI is being used? |
| Scenario: You’re teaching a Level 4 writing class. Instead of banning ChatGPT, you ask learners to use it to generate ideas, then edit and reflect on what they keep or change. You discuss why that matters for their industry or particular context. |
Resources to explore and use
Note: While some resources or tools in this section may evolve rapidly, the frameworks and guidance remain useful for supporting critical discussion and values-based decision-making.
Glossary of AI terms
See a glossary of common AI terms on Digital.govt.nz website
Beginner-Friendly Videos
Aotearoa-Based Literacy Frameworks
Tools to Try
Cyber Safety & Responsible Use
Want to go deeper?
- Leon Furze: AI Assessment Scale (From No AI to Full AI)
- Danny Liu: AI for Educators hub
- CUNY: Checklist for Ethical AI Use in Education
- UNESCO: Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research
This guide was part of a series, created in 2025 by Ako Aotearoa, designed to help educators explore AI in education — safely, ethically, and in ways that reflect our values in Aotearoa.
Each guide offers practical steps, real examples, and reflective tools to support your journey. Whether you’re just starting or deepening your practice, these resources are here to support your next steps — practically and purposefully.
Links were correct at the time of publish but will not be checked or updated in the future.